Bears reinstate RB Unga

Former BYU running back Harvey Unga has been reinstated by the Bears. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune Photo)

As expected, one running back was absent when the Chicago Bears started their voluntary offseason workout program Monday: Matt Forte, who is not under contract, did not attend.

But another running back, whom the club has not seen in some time, is back in the mix. Harvey Unga, who has yet to play in a regular-season game, was reinstated from the reserve/left squad list.

Unga, who was drafted in July 2010 with a seventh-round pick in the supplemental draft, has not been seen since preseason. The club placed him on the reserve/left squad list on Sept. 3 after he was excused from training camp for personal reasons.

The former standout from BYU faces an uphill battle to make the roster in what is likely a final chance. Unga spent his entire rookie season in 2010 on injured reserve after suffering a pulled hamstring. The club expected him to return this spring. as former general manager Jerry Angelo said before the season ended that Unga would be back in the fold.

Unga, 6-foot, 237 pounds, rushed nine times for 27 yards in preseason action last year before departing. Forte, newly signed Michael Bush and Kahlil Bell are firmly entrenched ahead of Unga. Some have wondered if he could fit as a fullback but that is unlikely and the Bears found a solid option at that position last year with Tyler Clutts.

Unga’s best chance to stick will be to make a solid impression on special teams because reserve players, especially running backs, have to fill critical roles in this area.